Annals of Live Free Or Die

As far back as the 1820s, Senator Daniel Webster acquired a room on the third floor of the Capitol above the Senate chamber for a place to store hogsheads of wine from his personal collection. What followed would not surprise later senators who would use their private spaces for transacting both business and pleasure.

“In no time at all,” wrote the historian Robert V. Remini, “the Webster Wine Room became a favorite meeting place during sessions for his colleagues and friends. There they could relax and sample excellent wines without worrying about public notice.”